Jeff Hill, webmaster of the 26th OVVI web site, announced on August 7, 2007 that he is writing the regimental history of the 26th Ohio. The tentative title of the book is: "26th Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry- The Ground Hog Regiment." The veterans of the 26th OVVI were unable to fulfill their dream to write a definitive regimental history. After spending years discussing and planning to do so, it appears in 1895 that the veterans finally decided they did not have the financial means to pay the cost of publishing. By late 1890s, most of them who were still alive were in their late 50s or 60s. Many were unable to pursue a gainful living after the war due to the injuries and illnesses they suffered as a result of the war.
The veterans did leave a wealth of information in the form of company histories, letters and diaries. In addition, excellent supporting source material, five trips to the battlefields and following the regiments' trek during the war, and other research provide the information needed to write a regimental history that hopefully they would have been proud. And hopefully, their descendants' will also the history informative and inspiring.
The 22 chapter book history includes photos and an updated roster and burial sites. The book is likely to be completed in mid 2009 and will be publish in late 2009 or early 2010. Purchase price has not been determined. A Complementary signed copy will be provided to each descendant listed on the descendant's page of the web site upon request.
For more information, write to Jeff Hill @ jhaclisw@aol.com.